Around the region

Wednesday

Mar 14, 2018 at 7:00 AM

UPCOMING

Friday, March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Fundraiser: 11 a.m. March 16, Masonic Lodge, 31 Green St., Newburyport. Registration and/or sponsorship can be accessed at http://linkhouseinc.org. Email bstlawrence@linkhouseinc.org for information. The 16th annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Fundraiser will feature traditional Irish food, music and good-humored jokes. This is an opportunity to spend a few hours with local and state politicians, local business owners and community stakeholders. The event will co-hosted by Sen. Kathleen O’Connor Ives and Chuck Withee, of The Provident Bank, and will feature a follow up to the 2017 program format: get ready for “Irish Idol – The Sequel.” Link House Inc. is a nonprofit organization that has been providing residential substance use services in the North Shore communities for the past 45 years. They have helped more than 5,000 individuals improve their lives and take positive steps towards living sober, independent and productive lives. This is their major fundraiser and is critical to continuing to provide support to those in the community struggling to overcome addiction. Charitable donations to Link House are tax-deductible.

“One End Open,” an exhibition celebrating women: 6-8:30 p.m. March 16 opening gala; 1-2 p.m. March 17 and April 11 artist talks; exhibition dates are March 16-April 21, Paula Estey Gallery, 3 Harris St., Newburyport. For information: 978-376-4746; http://paulaesteygallery.com. Paula Estey Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in downtown Newburyport, has announced “One End Open,” an exhibition celebrating women, featuring artists Cameron Sesto, Judith Carlin, Mia Cross, Erika Marquardt and Vinette Varvaro. An opening gala will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. March 16. Artist talks will be held from 1-2 p.m. March 17 with Newbury artist and author Cameron Sesto and New York artist Judith Carlin; and again from 1-2 p.m. April 11 with Newburyport/Germany artist Erika Marquardt and Boston artist Mia Cross. The exhibition will run March 16-April 21.

Saturday, March 17

Bubbles and Bling: 6-10 p.m. March 17, Mission Oak Grill, 26 Green St., Newburyport. Cost: $45-$55. Tickets may be purchased at NHAPA or by calling the studio 603-474-2444.For information: http://nhapa.org/2018/01/22/annual-scdc-gala-auction. Bubbles and Bling is the 2018 Annual Seacoast Civic Dance Company Gala and Auction. All proceeds from the event benefit the grant, scholarship and work study programs available to company members. Since 1976, The SCDC and Performance Groups, in partnership with New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts, have enabled area youth to combine a dance education program with performance opportunities. A nonprofit, arts educational program, the 2017-18 SCDC is comprised of 32 students ages 12-18 from the Seacoast and North Shore area. Company members are skilled and trained in a curriculum of classes at NHAPA including classical ballet, lyrical, contemporary, tap, jazz and hip-hop. Students participate in seminars, competitions and perform at local and national performance venues. NHAPA partners with and supports the SCDC with a faculty, curriculum, choreography and opportunities for workshops and master classes with professional dancers and choreographers. NHAPA annually underwrites additional scholarships, and financial assistance to encourage and enable participation by all eligible students. The organization depends on the generosity of individuals and the communities who sponsor the company in an effort to offset costs. Tickets to the GALA include pre-show appetizers, a cash bar, a performance by the Seacoast Civic Dance Company and other NHAPA students, and silent and live auctions.

Sunday, March 18

Etiquette Boot Camp for Kids: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 18, Courtyard Boston Andover, 10 Campanelli Drive, Andover. Cost: $199. For information: http://theetiquetteacademy.org. The Etiquette Boot Camp for ages 7-12 will prepare children for the next family dinner, social gathering or formal event. Participants will learn how to start and maintain conversations with adults and peers, how to introduce themselves, when to interrupt and much more. Participants will learn how to set the table, use their napkin, pass food and use utensils the European and American way. The 4-hour program will target the specific social challenges affecting today’s youth.

AARP Driver Safety Course: 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m. March 20, 30 Whittier Court, Andover. Call 978-623-8320 for information or to register. AARP Driver Safety helps drivers stay safe, educated and confident behind the wheel with the AARP Smart Driver Course. These courses are designed to help drivers ages 50 and up familiarize themselves with the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate vehicles more safely in today’s driving environment. AARP Driver Safety offers classroom and online courses. The classroom course costs $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. The online course costs $19.95 for members and $24.95 for nonmembers. Licensed drivers of all ages are welcome to participate. There are no official tests to pass in order to graduate from the program. Space is limited.

Wednesday, March 21

Rounder Records Part III: 1-2 p.m. March 21, The Senior Center, 331 High St., Newburyport. Marion Leighton Levy and Ken Irwin are co-founders of Rounder Records. They will talk about their studio experiences at one of the premier independent record companies that featured traditionally based music, including artists Alison Krauss, George Thorogood and more. Marian and Ken will have a conversation about their perspectives on the independent record business. After their informal introduction, there will be time for questions and answers.

How to prevent wandering: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 21, Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover. For more information or to RSVP, call 978-775-1070. Bridges by EPOCH at Andover will host the complimentary presentation “Preventing Wandering.” Attendees can choose between two sessions at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. People with dementia are prone to wandering. Learn how to prevent a loved one from wandering and discover tips to keep them safe during this informative presentation led by Alicia Seaver, a certified memory impairment specialist and the director of Memory Care at Bridges by EPOCH.

A Life in Balance: 7-8:15 p.m. March 21, Itsy Bitsy Zone, 167 Elm St., Rangeway Center, Salisbury. Learn how the principles of Chinese medicine can help keep both the parent and child strong, happy and healthy. Learn to live more harmoniously while feeling nourished in mind, body and soul. Hosted by Susan Patten, owner of Newburyport Acupuncture. This event is free; wine, tea and snacks will be offered.

ONGOING

Friends Library book sale: March 16-19, Georgetown Peabody Library Community Room, 2 Maple St. The Friends of the Peabody Library will hold their annual book sale. Hours are: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 17, 1-4 p.m. March 18 and 2-5 p.m. March 19. Patrons can shop for their favorite books at the sale. A bag sale ($3 per bag) will take place on Sunday and Monday, and there will be a Girl Scout bake sale in the library lobby on Saturday.

Dave Ramsey Financial Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, through April 2, Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St., Newburyport. There is a cost for materials per person or couple. For information: 978-463-4673; http://hopenewburyport.com/shorttermgroups. The series “Financial Peace University” is a nine-session, DVD-based course with radio host Dave Ramsey. Learn how to eliminate debt and stress with workable spending and investment plans that address all the critical issues, including budgeting, house purchases and medical emergencies.

“The Colors of New England” Photo Exhibit: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, through June, The Provident Bank, 66 Storey Ave., Newburyport. Local photographer Suzanne DeGeorge is exhibiting and selling her work at the Provident Bank as part of the bank’s “Lobby for the Arts” program, which enables local artists to display their work at the Bank’s branch locations. DeGeorge is known for her picturesque photos in and around Newburyport; her work has been used by various businesses in town. To view some of her work, visit http://sdegeorge.com or find her at Suzanne DeGeorge Photography on Facebook. The exhibit, titled “The Colors of New England,” runs from now through June during regular bank hours.

Earth Harmony Club: 9-11 a.m. Feb. 24-Oct. 27, New Harmony Farm, 186 High Road, Newbury. Cost: $225 per person; $350 per family. For information or registration: http://newharmonyfarm.com/garden-club. Erin Stack, farm manager of organic-certified New Harmony Farm, will be leading Earth Harmony Garden Club, geared to the home gardener who wants a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and a holistic approach to their landscape and garden. The group will meet monthly. This will be an opportunity to learn permaculture design and principles, engaged observation, optimal nutrition, and biological and organic growing methods throughout the growing season. A mix of discussion, lecture and hands-on experience, gardeners will learn to grow robust vegetables, flowers, berries and herbs in an Earth-friendly way.

Youth writing workshop: 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Merrimack Valley Immigrant and Education Center, 439 S. Union St., Building 2, Level B, Lawrence. Cost: $10 per class. For information and registration: 978-683-7316; http:// mviec.org. Robert Largess will lead a youth writing workshop, during which students grades 6-10, will write short stories, poems, essays and reports and learn about stories from other cultures.

Lake Gardner Improvement Association meetings: 6:30 p.m. second Wednesday of each month, Code and Circuit Learning Lab, 36 Main St., Amesbury. The Lake Gardner Improvement Association is an active advocacy group dedicated to promoting and protecting the lake. The public is welcome to join, get involved and help plan upcoming events. For information: 373-388-3659; info@lgia.org.

Newburyport Choral Society ongoing rehearsals: 7:15-9:30 p.m. Mondays. Choral members range from high school to retirees joining together to perform concerts with professional orchestra and soloists. NCS presents two major choral concerts annually in December and May. For information: newburyportchoralsociety.org.

Tai Chi at the Library: 9:05-9:50 a.m. Fridays, Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St., Newburyport. Improve physical and mental health by joining the free weekly drop-in tai chi class at the Newburyport Public Library. Barb Tindall will lead the class in tai chi and qigong in the form of Wu Dang as taught by Xuan Yun. No experience is necessary. Wear comfortable clothing. The program is funded by the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library.

Rhythm N’ Roots Community Drum Circles: 7 p.m. first Friday of each month, People’s United Methodist Church, 64 Purchase St., Newburyport. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. For information: 978-834-0367; http://imaginestudios.org. Presented by Imagine Studios. Participants will gather in a circle and share in the group rhythm making and song. Attendees are free to bring drums and percussion instruments, or they can play those provided. All ages and experiences are welcome. Refreshments are provided by The People’s Cafe.

Community Open Mic: 7 p.m. last Friday of each month, People’s United Methodist Church, 64 Purchase St., Newburyport. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. For information: 978-834-0367; kristine@imaginestudios.org; http://imaginestudios.org. Presented by Imagine Studios. Musicians, poets and performers of all ages, genres and abilities are welcome. Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are provided by The People’s Cafe.

Drum circle with Mamadou Diop: 6-7 p.m. Sundays, Tannery Dance Place, 50 Water St., #34, Newburyport. For information: 978-465-1485. The community is invited to drum with master Senegalese drummer Mamadou Diop every Sunday at the Tannery Dance Place. These low cost drum classes offer spiritual song, African rhythms in a supportive learning community. These classes are offered on a drop in basis for $15 per class, $10 to bring your own drum.

Weekly ballroom dancing event: 7:30-11 p.m. Sundays, Relief’s In Function Hall, 1 Market St., Lawrence. For information: 781-452-7872. The night will feature live bands, a large wood dance floor, bar service and door prizes. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served at 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome — singles or couples. Cost: $13. Free parking. This event is sponsored by the non-profit Come Alive After 5 singles group for more than 30 years.

Book Nook: Georgetown Peabody Library, 2 Maple St. The Book Nook is offering a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction volumes at modest prices. Browsers are welcome any time during regular library hours: 2-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The mini shop is located to the left of the circulation desk. Proceeds from the Book Nook, run by the Friends of the Georgetown Peabody Library, go toward the purchase of museum passes and provide funding for programming for children and young adults.